Humanism and Connectivism Learning Theories

Humanism Learning Theory

• Emphasizes the importance of individual needs, experiences, and self-actualization in learning.
• Focuses on creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment that fosters intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning.
• Learning is viewed as a personal journey, and teachers act as facilitators rather than directors.
• Learning is student-centered, and learners are encouraged to explore their interests and develop their unique potentials.
• Key figures include Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
• Principles include fostering self-esteem, encouraging autonomy, and valuing diverse learning styles.

Connectivism Learning Theory

• Argues that learning occurs through connecting and collaborating with others in networks of information.
• Learning is not solely about acquiring knowledge, but also about developing skills and strategies for navigating complex and constantly evolving information.
• Technology plays a key role in connecting learners and facilitating access to information.
• Individuals are viewed as nodes in a network, with connections to other nodes representing the learning process.
• Learning is an ongoing process that requires continuous engagement with new information and perspectives.
• Key aspects include social networking, collaborative platforms, and digital literacy.

Transformative Learning Theory

• Focuses on the profound changes in values, beliefs, and perspectives that result from significant life experiences and reflection.
• Learning involves a shift in attitudes, behaviors, and understanding.
• Transformative learning occurs through critical reflection and deep engagement with challenging issues.
• Key figures include Jack Mezirow and others.
• The process emphasizes personal meanings, experiences, and contextual factors in the learning process.
• Learning is viewed as a life-long journey.

Social Learning Theory

• Emphasizes the role of observation, modeling, and social interaction in learning.
• Learning occurs through vicarious experiences, as learners observe and imitate the behaviors of others.
• Focuses on the interplay between cognitive processes and social contexts in shaping learning.
• Key figures include Albert Bandura.
• Reinforcement and punishment play a significant part in learning. Learning occurs through observation of social modeling and vicarious reinforcement.
• Learning is often observed in cooperative learning environments and social interactions.

Experiential Learning Theory

• Proposes that learning is most effective when it is based on direct experience and reflection.
• Learning is active, involved, and participatory, emphasizing hands-on activities and real-world applications.
• The learning process involves four stages: experience, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation.
• Individuals actively construct their understanding through experiences.
• Experiential learning draws upon active participation, observation, reflection, and experimentation to promote deeper learning.
• Individuals make connections between their experiences and theories.
• Key figures include David Kolb.
• Learning through experience can be fostered through group work, case studies, projects, and fieldwork.